Superficialis finger reconstruction: a new look at a last-resort procedure.

The anatomic two-tendon, three-joint finger cannot always be restored to normal after a severe flexor tendon injury. An effective alternative to consider is reconstruction of superficialis finger function or one-tendon to two-joint function. This principle has been applied to two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction in severe salvage situations to provide a good working arc of digital flexion. The surgical procedure, postoperative considerations, and biomechanical principles are discussed.